What Pasifika students say about studying at Massey

Vilingatoni John Hasiata (Tonga, Papua New Guinea)

Bachelor of Aviation Management

“I chose to study at Massey University because they were the specialists in my chosen field of study and had a worldwide reputation for producing some of the best aviation students in the world. Massey University helped me grow as a person and helped me develop an understanding of the need for...young Pasifika people to step up, make their dreams a reality and strive to make their mark in the world.”

Angie Enoka (Samoa)

“I chose Massey University because of its excellent reputation for research. Massey offers an amazing journalism and media studies programme.....it provides excellent journalism experience, both theoretical and practical, and the PhD itself unlocks personal creative potentital and further develops practical research interests and skills.”

Chanel Tamahaga (Tahiti, Niue; Cook Islands)

“At times it was not always easy to ask or accept help but often it only took one person to listen, support, push or remind me of my desire to make a difference. Choosing an academic path was never about getting ahead, rather it was about fulfilling a deeper purpose. It was about making a positive difference in both my life and the lives of others. It was about trusting and finding myself. It was...life-long relationships that mattered.”

Rev. Alesana Fosi Pala'amo (Samoa)

“It has been a blessing to study at Massey University for the fantastic support and many opportunities that it provides for Pasifika researchers like myself. Migrating from Samoa with my wife and three sons for the duration of this project, Massey University has made the transition into the New Zealand way of life an enjoyable experience for us all.”

Sabrina Betham (Samoa)

“My (Pasifika and Massey University) community involvement has contributed to my educational journey in two ways: improving my communication skills in terms of public speaking as well as helping me work better within a team to become an efficient team player.”

Siaosi Koloamatangi (Tonga)

“Hard work is a key aspect in achieving academic success, as well as one’s faith and the support that comes from family and friends. There will be obstacles and times where we fall short but having the courage and perseverance to keep pushing until the very end makes it all worth it.”

Shabeena Hussain (Fiji)

“I have actively taken part in tutorials including the ones held exclusively for Pasifika and Maori students. I was too self-conscious of asking questions in lectures so..tutorials gave me an excellent opportunity to ask tutors questions face-to-face.”

Andre Fatiaki (Rotuma)

Bachelor of Science2016 Pasifka Community Award recipient

“Personally it was not easy coming straight from Fiji into a new environment where the workload and expectation was far greater than anything I had encountered. However, I found that my involvement with the (Pasifika) club brought a sense of ease....and helped me to balance my own workload with the commitment to the club and my peers.”

Page authorised by Office of the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Māori and Pasifika
Last updated on Monday 19 December 2016